The California Municipal Utilities Association (CMUA) on Jan. 15 announced the launch of “Public Power. Public Water. Public Good.” -- a new campaign to educate legislators, regulators, journalists, and the general public about the value and public benefits of community-owned, not-for-profit power and water utilities in California.
“Publicly owned electric and gas utilities, and water wastewater agencies, offer something better for communities, from lower costs and better service to local control, local accountability, and local benefits,” said Danielle Blacet-Hyden, CMUA’s executive director. “At the same time, these utilities are leaders in advancing California’s goals to provide more renewables, reduce emissions, and conserve and enhance water resources — while maintaining reliability, affordability, and sustainability.”
The campaign currently features the placement of a display ad at the Sacramento International Airport.
Other campaign elements will include print and online advertising focused at reaching policymakers and opinion leaders in the Capital region.
All of the campaign’s elements encourage viewers to visit CMUA’s new educational website ConnectwithCMUA.org and access the information there, including:
• 10 things every legislator should know about publicly owned utilities and water agencies
• 10 things every journalist should know about publicly owned utilities and water agencies
• 10 things every customer should know about publicly owned utilities and water agencies
• Educational videos and other resources
• Information about CMUA’s Subject Matter Experts panel
“By partnering with CMUA and leveraging our members’ unique expertise at the nexus of power and water in California, legislators can craft effective policies that keep energy and water costs lower and achieve California’s clean energy and water supply goals,” Blacet-Hyden said.
The campaign has been funded with the support of several CMUA members and is expected to continue through 2026.
